Devonte’ Graham — The Charlotte Hornets’ New Superstar
The Charlotte Hornets seem to have found a brand new superstar player in their former 34th overall draft pick Devonte’ Graham.
Ahh yes… just as everybody expected. The Charlotte Hornets are 11-16 & just 1.5 games out of a playoff spot, seemingly already defying expectations for the 2019-2020 NBA season.
Not only are they winning games, they are led by a superstar in the making, in Devonte’ Graham. After marking a new career high last night in their victory vs Brooklyn (40 points), Devonte’ is having quite the year and we are only 27 games in.
The 24 year old Raleigh, NC product is currently averaging 20.0 PPG, as well as 7.6 assists per game.
No Rest Needed
The Hornets had played the previous night in Charlotte where the Hornets defeated the Washington Wizards 114-107. When that game was finished, they hopped on a plane and headed for the Big Apple. Despite playing 36 minutes vs Washington, Graham had his highest scoring game of his career.
He went 7-12 from 3-point range, including taking over the last minute of the game. During these last two games, Graham played a total of 73 out of 96 total minutes and the young phenom showed no signs of fatigue.
The Difference a Year Makes
Last season through 46 total games played, Devonte’ averaged 4.7 PPG, and went 34-121 from deep. So far through 27 games, Devonte’ has shattered that and is currently averaging 20.0 PPG.
ESPN’s Kevin Pelton pointed out quite the stat. Graham’s season-season scoring increase would be the 4th largest since the ABA-NBA merger, as his productivity has gone up 14.5 points. Small sample size, but amazing nonetheless.
There have been a number of great 2nd round draft picks in previous years, but Devonte’ definitely stands out in his draft class. If this kid can stay healthy, Charlotte has a new superstar.
Playing With Confidence
Devonte’ just seems to have some swagger this season. That is in large due to his phenomenal start, as he deserves to be riding a little high. After performances like his in Brooklyn, that right there could be enough to continue his amazing start, and turn it into an amazing sophomore campaign.
Next. 5 realistic trade packages for Marvin Williams. dark
Hopefully he will make a trip to Chicago in February for the NBA All-Star Game. If he continues this kind of play, it will be hard to not send him there. We are excited about this Charlotte Hornets team and the play of Devonte’ Graham, and you should be too.